Page contents
- Skip to 'What are Zebra blinds?'
- Skip to 'How do Zebra blinds work?'
- Skip to 'What are the benefits of Zebra blinds?'
- Skip to 'What are the disadvantages of Zebra blinds?'
- Skip to 'What are the different mounting methods of Zebra blinds?'
- Skip to 'Where should Zebra blinds not be used?'
- Skip to 'How do you line up the vanes on adjacent Zebra blinds?'
- Skip to 'How do you clean Zebra blinds?'
- Skip to 'How Do You Install Zebra Blinds?'
- Skip to 'Is it hard to install Zebra Blinds?'
- Skip to 'Can you see through Zebra blinds at night?'
- Skip to 'Do Zebra blinds have colour variations in the same fabric?'
- Skip to 'Do you put Curtains over Zebra blinds?'
- Skip to 'Which is better, Roller blinds or Zebra blinds?'
- Skip to 'Do Zebra blinds get dusty?'
- Skip to 'Do Zebra blinds let air in?'
- Skip to 'Can Zebra blinds go all the way up?'
- Skip to 'Are Zebra blinds motorised?'
- Skip to 'Shop Zebra blinds'
What are Zebra blinds?
Zebra blinds—also called dual shades or day and night blinds, are a hybrid between traditional Roller blinds and Venetian blinds. They are made from alternating horizontal bands of sheer and solid fabric. At first glance, they resemble a sleek Roller blind, but instead of a single sheet of fabric, they have alternating horizontal bands of solid (opaque) and sheer (transparent) fabric to create a layered, textured look.
Think of them as combining:
-
The clean, modern look of a Roller blind
-
The light-filtering versatility of Venetian blinds
-
The soft, fabric texture of Roman blinds
This makes them a popular choice for homeowners who want stylish light control without bulky curtains or fiddly slats.
How do Zebra blinds work?
Zebra Blinds operate using a Roller mechanism inside a headbox. The fabric is made up of alternating sheer and blockout stripes, which are arranged in a continuous loop. As you adjust the blind—by chain, wand, or motor—the two layers of fabric move past each other. These stripes are arranged in a continuous loop so that, as you adjust the blind, the solid and sheer sections slide past each other. This lets you control how much light enters the room without raising the blind fully—similar to how Venetian blinds can be tilted to let light in or block it out, but without the need for slats or cords.
-
Sheer over sheer: Allows natural light to filter through and soften the glare while maintaining a level of daytime privacy.
-
Blockout over blockout: Overlaps the solid stripes to block more light and provide greater privacy, especially at night.
For times when you want maximum sunlight or an unobstructed view, the blind can also be rolled up entirely, just like a Roller blind.
What are the benefits of Zebra blinds?
Zebra Blinds bring together style and functionality in a way that suits many types of spaces. Instead of simply being open or closed like a standard blind, they give you fine control over light and privacy. You can let daylight stream in, soften harsh glare, or block out the view—all with a small adjustment.
Their streamlined design works well in modern homes, offering a crisp look without the bulk of traditional curtains. When rolled up, the fabric tucks neatly away inside the headbox so your windows feel open and uncluttered.
You can choose from a wide range of fabrics, colours, and textures, with the option to add motorisation for one-touch or automated operation. Zebra Blinds also pair beautifully with curtains, allowing you to combine the precise light control of a blind with the softness and insulation of fabric drapes.
What are the disadvantages of Zebra blinds?
While Zebra blinds offer great versatility, they aren’t suitable for every situation. In rooms with high humidity, such as bathrooms or laundries, moisture can lead to mildew or cause the fabric to deteriorate over time. They are also considered dim out blinds, so don’t provide total blackout on their own—light can slip through the fabric edges or between the stripes, so pairing them with blockout curtains is the best way to achieve full darkness.
Installation accuracy is crucial, as even slightly uneven brackets can cause the fabric to roll crookedly, leading to fraying along the edges. The fabric itself is delicate, so in busy areas where it might be frequently touched or brushed against, it’s more prone to wear over time.
What are the different mounting methods of Zebra blinds?
Inside Mount
Inside Mount: Installed within the window recess for a sleek, built-in look. Best if your window frame is deep enough and square.
Outside Mount
Outside Mount: Fixed to the wall or architrave to cover the whole window. Great for blocking more light or hiding window imperfections.
Both methods use universal brackets, allowing you to choose based on style preference and window type.
Where should Zebra blinds not be used?
Zebra blinds are best suited for living rooms, bedrooms, and studies—spaces where the environment is dry, calm, and safe from damage. Some locations can shorten the life of the blinds or affect how well they function.
-
Very breezy or windy areas – Why not? Constant movement from wind can cause the fabric edges to rub against surfaces or each other, leading to fraying over time.
-
Areas accessible to pets or young children – Why not? Curious hands and paws can pull, scratch, or chew the delicate fabric, damaging the edges or causing misalignment.
- Constantly moist rooms like bathrooms or laundries – Why not? High humidity encourages mildew growth on the fabric and can weaken the adhesive or stitching.
-
Locations with strong chemical vapours (e.g., chlorine from indoor pools) – Why not? Harsh chemicals can break down fabric fibres, cause staining, or fade colours prematurely.
-
Outdoor spaces – Why not? Zebra Blinds are designed for indoor use only; exposure to rain, dust, and temperature extremes will quickly damage the fabric and mechanism.
-
Windows where latches, winders, or handles are behind the blind – Why not? If you have to reach behind the blind to open or close your window, your hand or the hardware can rub against the fabric edges. Over time, this can cause wear or fraying.
How do you line up the vanes on adjacent Zebra blinds?
If you want the stripes to align perfectly across multiple blinds:
-
Specify vane alignment on your order form to ensure the manufacturer produces them with matching stripe positions.
-
Use the same drop measurement for each blind–Even a small difference can throw off the pattern alignment.
Install all headboxes at the same height as a consistent mounting position keeps the stripes visually level across the room.
How do you clean Zebra blinds?
Cassette & bottom rails: Wipe with a soft cloth and mild cleaner to remove dust without damaging the aluminium or the nearby fabric.
-
General cleaning – Using a cold hair dryer or anti-static cloth removes dust gently, avoiding wear on the weave.
-
Spot cleaning – Light dabbing with a damp cloth and mild detergent removes marks without creasing or distorting the fabric. Avoid harsh chemicals to preserve the fabric finish.
How Do You Install Zebra Blinds?
Installation is similar to cassette roller blinds and can be done as an inside or outside mount.
-
Place at least one bracket close to the control mechanism to support it.
-
Brackets must be perfectly level—uneven brackets can cause crooked rolling and fabric fraying.
-
Double-check all measurements before drilling.
If you’re not confident with DIY rprofessional installation is recommended for the best finish and to maintain your warranty. You can also book a Zoom Consultation to discuss or get live realtime one-on-one advice from our experts. For full step-by-step instructions, see our detailed installation guides.
Is it hard to install Zebra blinds?
Putting up Zebra blinds doesn’t require specialist skills, but it does call for patience and accuracy. The most important step happens before you even pick up a drill—getting precise measurements. If the width or height is even a few millimetres out, the blind may not sit or move as it should.
Once you’re ready to fit them, the key is to keep the brackets exactly level. Even a slight tilt can make the fabric roll off-centre, which over time may cause uneven wear along the edges. Because the blinds use a cassette-style headbox, the brackets need to be positioned to hold it firmly in place without strain.
For homes with several windows, extra-wide blinds, or tricky recesses, many people prefer to have a professional handle the job. This not only ensures a neat, reliable finish but can also help protect your warranty. And if you’d like a bit of guidance without booking a full install, we offer live zoom consultations with our team so you can get real-time answers and tips while you work. You can also read our full step-by-step installation instructions.
Do Zebra blinds have colour variations in the same fabric?
Yes—slight differences in fabric colour (known as dye lot variations) can occur between manufacturing batches.
-
If blinds will sit side-by-side, request they be made from the same batch.
-
Reorders placed at a later date may have minor colour differences.
-
Fabric swatches are a guide but may not be an exact match to the finished blind. We offer up to 20 free fabric samples to help you choose the right blind for you.
Can you see through Zebra blinds at night?
Yes—when the sheer sections of Zebra blinds are aligned, you can see through them both ways. During the day, this still offers a level of privacy because outdoor light is brighter than inside, making it harder for people to see in. However, at night, the situation reverses: when your indoor lights are on, the sheer fabric becomes see-through, and people outside can easily see in. For full night-time privacy, you’ll need to align the solid fabric stripes so they overlap, blocking the view. Many homeowners also choose to pair Zebra blinds with curtains or blockout blinds for complete coverage at night while keeping the option of daytime light filtering.
Do you put Curtains over Zebra blinds?
Yes—layering curtains over Zebra blinds is a popular design and functional choice. Curtains can add softness, colour, and texture to a room while boosting insulation and energy efficiency. They’re also useful for achieving total darkness in bedrooms or media rooms where Zebra blinds alone may allow a small amount of light to enter. A well-chosen blockout curtain can complement the sleek, modern lines of Zebra blinds, giving you the best of both worlds: precise light control from the blinds and luxurious style from the curtains.
Which is better, Roller blinds or Zebra blinds?
Zebra Blind
Roller Blind
Choosing between these two really comes down to the role the blind will play in your day-to-day life. If your priority is to make a room as dark as possible at certain times—such as for sleeping in after a night shift or watching a movie in the middle of the day—you’ll likely appreciate the way a Roller blind creates a continuous screen over the window. It’s a set-and-forget option: pull it down, and you’ve instantly blocked most of the outside light.
If your needs change throughout the day, Zebra blinds offer a different kind of flexibility. They can be adjusted so that sunlight gently filters into the room without leaving it completely exposed. This makes them a popular choice for spaces where you want brightness but also some level of privacy, such as living rooms or home offices. They also bring a patterned, layered look to the window, which can add to the overall style of the space.
Rather than thinking in terms of “better” or “worse,” it’s worth matching the blind type to the way you use the room—Roller blinds for straightforward, high-coverage shading, and Zebra blinds for adjustable light and a decorative touch.
Do Zebra blinds get dusty?
Like all blinds, Zebra blinds can collect dust over time, especially if they’re installed in high-traffic or open-window areas. The good news is that they’re relatively easy to keep clean. For regular upkeep, a cold hair dryer can blow away dust without disturbing the fabric, or you can use an anti-static cloth to gently wipe the surface. For occasional deeper cleaning, lightly dab any marks with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Avoid rubbing or using harsh chemicals, as these can damage the delicate fabric finish.
Do Zebra blinds let air in?
When the sheer stripes are aligned, Zebra blinds allow light to pass through and can let in some airflow if the window behind them is open. However, they are not designed as a ventilation solution—any breeze is minimal compared to having the blind fully raised. If airflow is a key concern, you can raise the blind completely to expose the window and allow maximum fresh air inside.
Can Zebra blinds go all the way up?
Yes—Zebra blinds roll up neatly into their headbox, leaving the window completely clear. This makes them ideal for enjoying full outdoor views or for times when you want maximum light and airflow. The compact roll means they take up less visual space than curtains or some other blinds, making them a good choice for smaller rooms where an uncluttered look is important.
Are Zebra blinds motorised?
Yes—you can customise Zebra blinds with motorisation for smooth, effortless operation. Motorised Zebra blinds can be controlled via a remote, wall switch, or even integrated into a smart home system for voice or app control. This is especially convenient for large windows, hard-to-reach areas, or simply for the luxury of adjusting your blinds without leaving your seat. Motorisation also eliminates chains, making the blinds safer for homes with young children or pets.
Shop Zebra blinds
We're here to help.
If you would like expert help with planning, measuring, installing or servicing your window furnishings, feel free to book a one-on-one zoom consultation, or contact us via email or freecall 1300 852 912.